My Prayer

Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;

Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move;

Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art,

And make me love Thee as I ought to love.

I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,

No sudden rending of the veil of clay,

No angel visitant, no opening skies;

But take the dimness of my soul away.

Hast Thou not bid us love Thee, God and King?

All, all Thine own - soul, heart, and strength and mind.

I see Thy cross - there teach my heart to cling.

Oh, let me seek Thee, and, oh, let me find.

Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh;

Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,

To check the rising doubt, the rebel sign;

Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.

Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love

One holy passion filling all my frame;

The baptism of the heaven descended Dove;

My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.

- George Croly